Outdated Publication, for historical use.
CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.
Using Wood Chips as Mulch
Solid Waste Management Fact Sheet No. 16
Wood chip mulch is made from the chipping of tree and
landscape prunings. Rather than taking up landfill space, these
once discarded products (including Christmas trees) are now
providing a better growing environment for new plants in both
landscapes and gardens.
Mulch is material placed on the soil surface for the purpose of
protecting the soil and plant roots. Not only do organic mulches
add a decorative natural appearance to the landscape, they also
provide many landscape benefits.
Helps Retain Soil Moisture
Mulch helps soil retain moisture and reduces water evaporation caused by wind and hot sun. Under its insulating blanket,
soil remains moist long after bare areas become dry and require
irrigation.
Reduces Soil Temperature Extremes
An application of mulch helps avoid extreme temperature
fluctuations. It acts as an insulating blanket and keeps soil
cooler during hot periods and warmer in winter months.
Reduces Weed Growth
When the site has been properly prepared, mulching reduces
weed growth (the headache of many gardeners). Occasional
persistent weeds will need to be removed.
Saves Time in Landscape Maintenance
Place mulch under and between plants in tree and shrub beds,
border plantings, hedges, rose beds, and fruit orchards. By
replacing grass with mulch, mowing and watering time is cut
dramatically.
Gives a Natural Look
A few fallen leaves in a planting bed with a wood chip mulch
gives your landscape the natural beauty of a forest floor. When
you choose to remove the leaves, they too can be recycled by
composting and then used as a soil amendment.
Prevents Heavy Rain Damage
Mulching prevents soil erosion. It permits water to seep
slowly beneath the protective covering.
Increases Survival of New Trees
Not only do mulches keep the soil cool and moist, they also
keep the lawn mower and weed trimmer from damaging young
bark and killing trees.
Site Preparation/Application
For best results, remove existing weeds and turfgrass prior to
mulch application. Fertilize plants at 10 percent over label rates
prior to applying the mulch directly on the soil. Keep the mulch
2 to 3 inches from the base of plants. Due to decomposition,
you may need to topdress with a thin layer of new mulch each
year.
• Apply to a depth of 3 to 5 inches.
• Apply mulch in a 3 to 6 foot diameter under newly planted
trees.
• Apply mulch in a 1-foot band around large tree trunks to make
mowing easier.
• Apply beyond the spread of shrubs to allow for growth
without lawn mower interference.
• Cover the soil to the drip line under fruit trees for optimum
growth.
It’s an Alternative
Wood chip mulch is an alternative to:
• River Rock
• Cypress Mulch
• Volcanic Rock
• Bark Chips
• White Marble Rock
• Straw
Prepared by
Charles W. Marr
Extension Horticulturist, Vegetable Crops
Prevents Direct Contact with Soil
Mulch prevents vegetables (including squash, pumpkins,
melons, cucumbers and unstaked tomatoes) from making soil
contact, thus helps to reduce rot caused by soil microorganisms.
Create Paths
A thick layer of mulch can be used to create walkways
throughout the yard. Mulch paths permit easy access to any part
of the landscape, even after heavy rains. No longer is a wet plot
off limits until soil has dried sufficiently. During dry periods,
mulch also reduces dust from sandy soils.
Robert I. Neier
Sedgwick County Extension Agent, Horticulture
Cooperative Extension Service
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
EP-16
May 1995
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended.
Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, and United States Department of Agriculture
Cooperating, Richard D. Wootton, Associate Director. All educational programs and materials
available without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
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